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Romans 16:25-27

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Dare We Expect? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Alone for his first cruise ship voyage, a young man felt a stranger among crowds of aging patrons.
A Whole New Way -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Do we believe in one God, or many?
God is with us -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
I remember vividly the day when my Hebrew teacher said, “Pastor Sandra, do you recognize this word?”
When does a house become a home for the holidays? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Many people make Advent preparations in hopes that they will be able to celebrate their hard-earned
Nothing is impossible with God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Bass M. Mitchell -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
What really stands out to me in this wonderful passage is what Gabriel says to Mary.
Decorations, calendars, and piped-in music -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Everybody knows that Christmas decorations go up earlier every year.
The mystery revealed -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
In the second lesson for this Sunday, Paul speaks of "the revelation of the mystery that was kept se
Finally! It's all right to celebrate Christmas -- Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
We have followed the fortunes -- and misfortunes -- of the people of Israel for many weeks.
Great David's greater son -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
The trio of readings today are traditional in many communions.
Prophecy -- 2 Samuel 7:8-16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
No Advent season would be complete without a consideration of the role of prophecy.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Angels At The Doorway -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 20, 2020:
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

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Spiritual vitamins -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
Good morning, boys and girls.
Word for all -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Leah Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
But is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, accor
God's mystery novel -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning! I brought this book to show you this morning.
The end! -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Two weeks ago we talked about beginnings. Our reading was
The secret is out! -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a present with me this

SermonStudio

The Greatest Secret Ever Told -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)

Devotional

SermonStudio

Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2023) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2020) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2017) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2014) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Paul claims that the incarnation... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Paul claims that the incarnation has long been kept a mystery. It still is hard to believe.
In a Frank & Ernest comic... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
In a Frank & Ernest comic strip by Bob Thaves, two little boys are sitting in a backyard.
Multiple Illustrations for Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Everyone seems to want to know the future... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Craig Kelly -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Everyone seems to want to know the future.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow could write poetically... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow could write poetically about "my gospel," even as Paul did in his conclud
My father-in-law and... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
My father-in-law and his brother lived the last years of their life in an assisted living facility.
This section of Romans is... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
This section of Romans is called the final doxology.
In the concluding verses of... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
In the concluding verses of the letter to the Romans, Paul reflects on the "mystery that was kept se
Paul's benediction attributes all glory... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 2002
Paul's "benediction" attributes all glory to the Lord who is able to do all things.
The movie The Insider tells... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 2002
The movie The Insider tells the story of Dr.
Newspaper editor Ed Bunyan of... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 2002
Newspaper editor Ed Bunyan of the North Bay Nugget knew a secret.
The concept of mystery eludes... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 2002
The concept of mystery eludes many. Some confuse it with magic or downright superstition.
The apostle Paul had his... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 1999
The apostle Paul had his priorities straight. He gave the glory to God.
Something's gone wrong at the... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 1999
Something's gone wrong at the highest levels and there's a cover-up going on.
At this time of year... -- Romans 16:25-27 -- 1999
At this time of year it helps to cut through the glitter of a secular Christmas celebration and to c

The Immediate Word

Angels At The Doorway -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 20, 2020:
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor

StoryShare

A Church For Christmas -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:46b-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents"A Church for Christmas" by John Sumwalt
The Jigsaw Puzzle -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B, The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Jigsaw Puzzle" by Argile Smith
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lisa Swanson Faleide, Charles W. Byrd, Edward W. Thorn, R.h. Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Angels At The Doorway -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 20, 2020:
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Advent 4 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayOur Savior is coming! Collect of the Day
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
David tells his prophet, Nathan, that he wants to build a
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Prior to the revision of the church year and lectionary, the Fourth Sunday of Advent really was "Chr
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- George M. Bass -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1990
Prior to the revision of the church year and lectionary, the Fourth Sunday of Advent really was "Chr
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Angels At The Doorway -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 20, 2020:
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

But Is It True? -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Scott Suskovic -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Chr
Secret Revealed -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
At last it happens!
Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
An early movie version of Victor Herbert's romantic operetta
Tilting The Balance Of Power -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Do you remember when it was that you first realized your parents were people, that they actually wer

The Village Shepherd

Mystery And Secrets -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
One of my most relaxing hobbies is the reading of mystery stories.

Stories

StoryShare

Let it Be -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27 -- Keith Wagner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
Contents "Let it Be" by Keith Wagner "Faith and Obedience" by Keith Wagner
Finding Your Way -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Contents"Finding Your Way" by Peter Andrew Smith* * * * * * *
A Church For Christmas -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:46b-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Contents"A Church for Christmas" by John Sumwalt
The Jigsaw Puzzle -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B, The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Jigsaw Puzzle" by Argile Smith
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lisa Swanson Faleide, Charles W. Byrd, Edward W. Thorn, R.h. Thompson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Angels At The Doorway -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
For December 20, 2020:
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
Ups And Mary: A Story Of Delivery / Fear Not! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Romans 16:25-27, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2014
To provide you with a full complement of resources, this installment of The Immediate Wor
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Bulletin Insert for Fourth Sunday in Advent for Year B -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:46b-55, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Advent Wreath ServiceReader A: ______________________
Cedar Or Goat's Hair -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Word of the Lord shall endure forever! Praise be to the Lord!
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16, Romans 16:25-27 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPHappy are the people who have learned to give acclaim to God, and
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For July 27, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: A card with Luke’s short version of the Lord’s Prayer to give to each child. Make your own card or use the one I have attached to this message.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s hear the story. But I want to begin by asking you a question.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Luke frowned at the email he was writing. He moved a couple of words around and then hit the save button. He ran the email though the grammar checker and spell checker again. He took a deep breath and then started reading through it one more time. After he finished, he noticed the time. He had to send it soon or it would be too late for there to be a response before the deadline. He sighed and sat back in his chair. He wished he wasn’t so nervous.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Hosea 1:2-10 and Psalm 85
I came across an interesting fact about how the state of Ohio deals with sealing and expunging a court record. The process for filing a court file and expunging a criminal record are combined into the same thing. If granted, the request seals the record forever, and officials are not allowed to discuss the person’s past criminal record.
David Coffin
Another mass shooting appears on the television “Breaking News!” Many people have lost count of the number of school or concert shootings in the recent years in the USA. Usually prominent are comments such as, “We hold these families up in prayer,” and “more mental health is needed.” People who work both in spiritual care and mental health have heard this all before.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.


God, the centre of my being,

When I think of you, praise spills from my lips. I wish I always acted as though you were my centre, for then perhaps your kingdom would be known here.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 2, Cycle B, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 8-13.)

In 1988, Southern Baptists held their annual convention in San Antonio, Texas. It was a contentious meeting, as factions within the denomination vied for control of the various agencies and boards. Throughout the week, angry words were spoken across the aisle as various resolutions and officer elections revealed the deep schism growing within the group.

Michael D. Wuchter
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial."
-- Luke 11:1-4

One of the disciples said to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray."

Lee Ann Dunlap
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't
put Humpty Dumpty together again.


This is a nursery rhyme we learned as children, and somewhere along the line in history class we were taught that its composer, "Mother Goose," was, in fact, a political satirist. If we look between the lines of these playful rhymes we will find some kind of hidden message poking fun at royalty. (I guess you had to be there to get the joke.)
Kirk R. Webster
Do you have somebody in your world who seems to live his/her life daily on a treadmill of self-imposed rules, almost as Tarzan swings from one vine to another? These people swoop from one regulation to another rule, to another regulation, in an attempt to maintain control and safety in their lives. They travel by self-imposed boundaries that probably aren't necessary to a fulfilling life. Consider our 45-year-old suburbanite named Jim.
Julia Ross Strope
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
The way to become human is to recognize the lineaments of God in all the wonderful modulations of the face [of humankind].
-- Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Call To Worship (Leader)
We are in sanctuary -- together, removed from the world, secluded for a while.
We have brought with us our burdens and anxieties.
We've come here with our hopes and thanksgivings.

Special Occasion

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